Introduction

This Caramel Apple Trifle is a simple yet elegant dessert perfect for the holidays or any special occasion. With layers of creamy caramel mousse, rich homemade caramel sauce, and crunchy apple crumble, it offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare ahead and assemble with minimal stress.

The image shows four clear glass cups, each filled with five distinct layers. Starting from the bottom, the first layer is creamy white, followed by a crunchy layer with visible nuts and dried fruit pieces. Above this is a smooth, amber-colored caramel or butterscotch layer, topped by another creamy white layer. The next layer is another crunchy mix of nuts and dried fruit. Each cup is finished with a swirl of white whipped cream, drizzled with glossy caramel sauce on top. The cups are placed on a soft beige cloth with two white ceramic spoons in front, all set against a white marbled textured background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Caramel Mousse:

1 cup cold heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup plus caramel sauce (see below)

Caramel Sauce:

½ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 tablespoons heavy cream
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Apple Crumble:

½ cup diced fresh apples
½ cup apple chips
½ cup crumbled granola

Instructions

Step 1: Make the caramel sauce. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine sugar and water. Stir gently until sugar dissolves and use a wet brush to remove any sugar crystals from the sides. Increase heat to high without stirring, swirling the pan occasionally. When the mixture reaches a dark amber color (about 5-7 minutes), remove from heat and carefully whisk in butter and heavy cream. Add salt and stir to combine. Let cool.

Step 2: Prepare the caramel mousse. Whip the cold heavy cream with sugar using a whisk or mixer until soft peaks form and the cream is fluffy. Gently fold in 1/4 cup of the cooled caramel sauce.

Step 3: Make the apple crumble. In a bowl, combine diced fresh apples, apple chips, and crumbled granola. Mix well.

Step 4: Assemble the trifle. Fill two pastry bags—one with the caramel mousse and the other with caramel sauce. Pipe a layer of mousse into the bottom of each serving glass. Add a layer of caramel sauce on top. Sprinkle a layer of apple crumble over the caramel. Repeat the layering process until glasses are filled, finishing with apple crumble on top.

Tips & Variations

To keep the apple crumble crisp, assemble the trifle no more than 2 hours before serving.

If mousse isn’t your preference, substitute pudding or yogurt for a parfait-style dessert.

For a deeper flavor, make homemade caramel sauce and cook it to a dark amber stage rather than using overly sweet store-bought sauces.

You can serve this in small glasses or bowls; individual 3 1/2 oz glasses make elegant portions.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, but avoid overly sweet options like Hershey’s caramel sauce. A good alternative is Marzetti’s Caramel Apple Dipping Sauce, which offers a better balance of flavor.

How do I keep the crumble from getting soggy?

Assemble the trifle no more than 2 hours before serving and keep it refrigerated. This short time frame helps maintain the crumble’s crisp texture.